DEVON and Cornwall Police is urging people not to suffer in silence during National Stalking Awareness Day today (Thurs).

According to a British Crime Survey, as many as one in five women, and one in 10 men, reported being stalked at some point in their lives.

Stalking is classes as unwanted and obsessive attention by one individual towards another, and could involve phone calls, gifts, following a person, or damaging property.

Police are urging people to remember to ‘REPORT’, and remember the following:

R – Report it to the police and tell other people.

E – Ensure you get practical advice by calling the National Stalking Helpline or police.

P – Proactive evidence collection

O – Overview of what’s happening, by keeping a diary including times, dates and details.

R – Risk checklist, by completing a stalking screening checklist.

T – Trust your instincts and never make contac6t with your stalker.

Detective Chief Inspector John Trott said: “Stalking is taken very seriously by the police and the National Stalking Awareness Day gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and provide people with some practical advice.

“As a force, we are now taking significant measures to improve support to victims of stalking.

“This includes extensive training for officers to raise their awareness and comprehension of stalking as well as introducing a dedicated senior officer responsible for increasing insight and understanding in this area.

“Our knowledge of stalking is increasing and the victim is our priority.

“We know the persistent unwelcome behaviour by a stalker causes extreme distress and fear for victims.

“It is very important for anyone who thinks they are being stalked to seek help immediately from the police so we can investigate the incident(s) and support them.”

Police will be using Facebook and Twitter to provide advice and support and aims to reach as many people as possible during today.

For further advice and information call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or contact Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101.